Mercer County Offers Checks for Fresh Produce to Qualifying Older Adults

Shared from Mercer County:

TRENTON — Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced that older adults in Mercer County again will have the opportunity to receive fresh-produce checks that will enable them to purchase locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farm stands.

In order to keep older adults and their families safe during this pandemic, the staff from the Mercer County Office on Aging have had to change the process for receiving checks. Please call 609-989-6661 and speak with a staff member or leave a message with your phone number so the Office on Aging can return the call. This year each person will receive five $6 checks for a total $30 and are valid until Nov. 30, 2021. Checks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

When you call the office, be prepared to:

Provide your name and address to verify you live in Mercer County
State your date of birth to verify you are 60 years of age and older
Verify that your income is within the eligibility qualifications listed below:

A single person’s income must not exceed $23,606 per year or $1,968 monthly; a couple’s income must not exceed $31,894 per year or $2,658 monthly.

The Office on Aging staff will then direct you as to how you can secure your checks.

“The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program offers older adults an increased opportunity to make nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables part of their daily eating choices,” Mr. Hughes said. “It also helps the older adult who may be struggling financially to get the most for their money.”